Sedum telephium, orpine, numerous varieties, An evergreen perennial with succulent leaves from Europe, growing to 60 cm (2 ft) high. The leaves are edible (raw) – very nice – and the plant makes a good ground cover plant (self-seeding freely). Also a bee plant. Likes a well-drained site, and happy in sun, part or deep shade; hardy to -20°C

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm' - Large, golden-yellow, daisy-like flowers up to 12cm (5in) across with cone-shaped, blackish-brown centres from August to October. This award-winning black-eyed Susan looks great planted in bold drifts with other late summer-flowering perennials and ornamental grasses. Coping well in a sunny spot, it's ideal for the middle of a border that doesn't dry out over summer.

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' (Japanese Maple) - One of the best Japanese maples for autumn colour, Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' is an elegant plant with leaves which turn glorious shades of bright scarlet in the autumn. The leaves are dark green from spring to early autumn. A superb large garden shrub or small tree for leaf colour in October.

Polemonium reptans 'Stairway to Heaven' - Forming a low mound of ferny leaves, each mid-green leaflet is strongly edged in creamy white and is flushed with pink during the cooler spring weather. In mid to late spring this foliage is crowned with upright stems bearing clusters of light blue to white flowers. This delightful and colourful perennial is ideal for edging a partially shaded border, or for growing beside a woodland path.